June 4, 2023 Charity, Why Charity?

I was in antigua this weekend walking to dinner.  <br/><br/>A woman approached and with a sobbing face and demeanor explained how she needed money to get back to the city.  At first she said she needed 70Q( roughly $6.50) then she asked for 50Q. <br/><br/>I offered to pay for her Uber since I did not have cash. I did but my policy is to not give out money to people asking trying to play emotions. I would rather pay more and avoid the conflict and treat it as a gift. She refused to take the money.<br/><br/>Was my lie a greater show of charity than to propagate a potential destructive behavior from that individual?<br/><br/>Did I steal that individuals free choice and thus rob them from a free expression of love?<br/><br/>I believe that when one is trying to do the right thing. To actually help, then the Lord puts in your heart and mind the potential to discern deceit. <br/><br/>If you are then bamboozled then it is as the Lord wills it since there is a genuine intent from the person to perform a charitable act. <br/><br/>These verses highlight the importance of showing kindness, generosity, and compassion towards those in need, emphasizing the responsibility of believers to care for the poor and vulnerable members of society.<br/> <br/>Matthew 25:35-36 (NRSVCE):"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me."<br/><br/>Luke 6:38 (NRSVCE):"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."<br/><br/>1 Corinthians 13:3 (NRSVCE):"If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."<br/><br/>1 John 3:17-18 (NRSVCE):"How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action."<br/><br/>Galatians 6:2 (NRSVCE):"Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."<br/><br/>1 Timothy 6:18 (NRSVCE):"They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share."<br/><br/>Proverbs 19:17 (NRSVCE):"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD,and will be repaid in full."<br/><br/>Proverbs 22:9 (NRSVCE):"Those who are generous are blessed,for they share their bread with the poor."<br/><br/>Deuteronomy 15:11 (NRSVCE):"Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, 'Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.'"<br/><br/>Psalm 82:3-4 (NRSVCE):"Give justice to the weak and the orphan;maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.Rescue the weak and the needy;deliver them from the hand of the wicked."<br/><br/>Isaiah 58:7 (NRSVCE):"Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,and bring the homeless poor into your house;when you see the naked, to cover them,and not to hide yourself from your own kin?"<br/><br/>Proverbs 14:21 (NRSVCE):"Those who despise their neighbors are sinners,but happy are those who are kind to the poor."